Why I Stayed
By Partner Phil Stevenson
I was chatting with a new friend. He had decided to visit the church I attend. He asked me what got me to the church? I answered his question. I then said, “That is why I started to attend. Now let me tell you why I stayed.”
Thinking of this conversation, I would like to answer the two questions as it pertains to the Barnabas Group.
WHAT GOT ME TO ATTEND A BARNABAS MEETING?
The simple answer…I was invited. Kyle Thomsen, my friend and pastor, extended an invitation. I knew very little about the Barnabas Group. But since I got the invite, and breakfast was included, why not? Little did I know the impact this gathering would have on me.
WHY I STAYED?
The invite got me there, but it is not why I stayed. I stayed for two reasons: 1. An opportunity to invest in others; 2. The relationships.
The opportunity to invest time, encouragement, and ideas into non-profits is fantastic. The ideation sessions provide the path to engage in the “Big Question” the non-profit leaders are asking. I really believe I am adding value here.
It is the relationships that have given me the most significant reason to stay. It is not often you find like-minded people who share a common theme of giving back.
I have had the privilege of connecting with other Barnabas participants outside of the quarterly meetings. Each of these connections have added value to me. They have provided insights and resources. Hearing their stories have inspired and challenged me.
A former professional football player shared his perspective on team. He said, “We came together as strangers. We became a team. We left as friends.”
This sums up the Barnabas Group. We first attended not knowing many. We became a team around shared values. We forged friendships that have superseded a quarterly gathering.
About The Author: Phil Stevenson
Phil retired from ministry leadership, within the Wesleyan Church, in July 2023. In his 48 years of ministry he pastored three churches. He served in various denominational positions including: District Youth President and Director of Church Planting for the Pacific Southwest District, Western Area Youth Director, District Superintendent of the Wisconsin District, and Assistant District Superintendent of the Pacific Southwest District. At retirement he was serving as District Superintendent.
Phil has an undergraduate degree from San Diego State University in Psychology, and graduate degrees from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California, and a Doctor of Ministry at Talbot School of Theology.
He has written six books: The Ripple Church: Multiplying Churches; Five Things Anyone Can Do To Lead Effectively; Five Things Anyone can do to Start a New Church; Five Things Anyone Can Do To Help Their Church Grow; How to Become a Ripple Church. His newest book, You Can Do More Than You Think You Can was published in March 2024. He co-authored, with Dr. Gary McIntosh, Building the Body: 12 Characteristic of a Fit Church.
He and his wife Joni, live in Roseville. They have three grown kids and 8 grandkids.